A plague of rabbits in the Wanaka area will be countered with a poison drop beginning tomorrow (Thursday).

A group of 30 private residents have combined with the Queenstown Lakes District Council to enlist Regional Services to carry out a drop of Pindone poison.

The poison, in the form of green carrots, will be dropped over a 60 hectare area, including 20 hectares of Council reserve, in the Beacon Point / Penrith Park area.

Poison would be kept away from walking tracks and signage will be erected.

Pindone is a low risk, slow acting poison, which would need to be consumed in large quantities to have any ill-effect on humans or domestic animals. Nevertheless it should be treated with caution. Anyone concerned that children or pets may have ingested the poison should seek help.

A second drop will take place next week on Wednesday and Thursday. It can remain active for up to a month.

More information is available on the Council website www.qldc.govt.nz. or for further information please contact Peter Preston of Regional Services phone 03 445 0122 or 027 228 7954.

ENDS

For further information please contact Peter Preston or Chris Hawker 0274 364 455.

By: Kiri